Yes, You Can Pull Off Color Blocking Without Looking Like an '80s Throwback

Color blocking is an '80s trend that’s come back around with a fine line between cheeky chic and Debbie Gibson fangirl. The term refers to wearing two bold, solid colors—perhaps a top and bottom or two top layers—for a strong contrasting look.

My best advice for pulling it off without looking like a Brat Pack throwback is to stick with jewel tones. Pastel hues can leave you looking like an Easter egg, primaries are a bit Punky Brewster, and neon is taking the '80s vibe too far. But when you pair together the chic hues of plum, royal blue, emerald, or marigold, they keep their sophisticated palette while adding a bit of fun with the color play.

BETHANY MICHAELA PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DEAN STREET SOCIETY

This season though, I’m loving a new spin on color blocking that I’ve been experimenting with: hue-on-hue. The idea here is that instead of taking colors opposite or far apart on the color wheel—like blue and orange, or purple and yellow—you go for the hues right near one another. The shades in this outfit (emerald, aqua, teal, mint, peacock blue, royal blue) cover one pretty section of the color wheel. On the other side of the spectrum, blush, coral, magenta, hot pink, poppy, and tangerine would make darling partners as well.

Unlike bold color blocking of opposite colors, with hue-on-hue you don’t have to stick to jewel tone shades. Pastels, primaries and muted tones can all pair nicely when they’re from a similar color family such as blues and greens, or reds and oranges.

BETHANY MICHAELA PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DEAN STREET SOCIETY

Whether inspired by fall leaves or an icy winter wonderland, these colorful ensembles will keep your spirits up all season long. So head into your closet and see which hues appear the most and what new combinations you can create! P.S. Don’t forget to incorporate your shoes, belts, and handbags as seen here!

Check out even more colorful pieces you can wear this winter:

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